Lafayette Non-Compete Agreement

What Is A Covenant Not To Compete In California?

Generally, a covenant not to compete is when a California employee agrees not to work for an employer's competitors when the employee leaves the company. Covenants not to compete are also known as "non-compete clauses". An employee who signs them either does so as a condition to employment or they can receive compensation for the agreement.

When are Covenants not to Compete Unenforceable?

It is difficult to foresee whether a judge will enforce a given non-compete agreement. While the employer?s interests are significant, California courts place great weight on an individual?s freedom to pursue the employment they want. Accordingly, courts have only upheld those agreements that they consider reasonable under the circumstances. A court will usually hold non-compete clauses to be unreasonable if they involve unusually long periods of time or if they cover a geographic region surrounding Lafayette that is excessively large.

Non-compete clauses are also limited in that they may only apply to competitors who are rationally related to the industry of the employer. Finally, there must be a valid business interest which motivates the employer's mandating a covenant not to compete.

Do I Need an Attorney when Dealing with a Covenant not to Compete?

Before signing anything that may restrict your rights, you might want to hire a Lafayette, California attorney to review the contract. A lawyer can then negotiate to modify the covenant as needed, or might even draft a new one that is acceptable to both parties Attorneys can provide valuable counseling to employers who are contemplating suing an employer who breached a covenant not to compete. They can also assist employees who have signed an agreement limiting their employment options.

Life in Lafayette

Lafayette, California is a city in Contra Costa County, and is part of the San Francisco Bay Area. It currently has a population of about 25,000 people.

Lafayette, California is known for its pastoral hills, and upscale lifestyle. It is also known for a controversial long-term protest. In 2006, residents began placing thousands of crosses on the side of a hill, to memorialize the U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq, and to voice opposition to the war there.

Many successful upper-middle class professionals live in Lafayette, California. These include many accomplished attorneys. A large portion of these attorneys work in San Francisco and other larger cities. The presence of a commuter rail station makes this a very convenient arrangement, attracting attorneys who want the best of both worlds (the excitement and opportunity of a big city, and the quiet solitude of a small town) to Lafayette, California.

If you live in Lafayette, and need an attorney, you're in luck. There are many accomplished and competent attorneys in Lafayette, California who can help you with whatever legal problem you may be facing.